Boston Bans Trans Fats

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Following in the footsteps of New York and Philadelphia, Boston has become the third U.S. city to ban trans fats in restaurants, grocery stores, and hospitals.

Trans fats are artificially solidified oils that are used in foods to prolong shelf life. They are usually listed as "partially hydrogenated" on the label. Trans fats cause hardening of the arteries and clogged arteries and may lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes. Despite this, more and more products contain some form of it. In fact, it can be difficult to find packaged foods that don't contain it these days.

The ruling does not cover prepackaged foods sold in these establishments, but only foods prepared in the restaurant, hospital, or store.

Posted by Tracy on March 13, 2008 6:12 PM | DIGG | del.icio.us | furl